For Konoha? Can you represent Konoha?

"Right, not worth my time. Let's focus on lifting restrictions on forbidden techniques."

Tsunade didn't hold back. 

After speaking, she patted Kyōichi on the shoulder. 

I've cleared the trash for you. Now it's your turn.

Kyōichi stood up and said, "Forbidden techniques shouldn't be widely disseminated, but within a limited scope, selecting those with minimal harm and implementing them voluntarily is perfectly fine. For example, the Breath Activation Technique." 

"You must have a more advanced version of your breathing technique, don't you?" 

Danzo interjected. 

"Oh? You're worried about the lifespan issue with the basic version, but now you're not afraid of it?" 

Tsunade sneered. 

She knew these people all too well! 

Their so-called objections were just a way to push their own agendas and steer the proposal in their favor. 

At least, that was Danzo's game. 

The Sandaime massaged his temples, exasperated. First the two advisors, now Tsunade. 

This meeting couldn't have come at a worse time.

He was tempted to call it off and reschedule. 

But. 

The others clearly had no such intention. 

Kyōichi ignored Danzo entirely and continued, "The Breath Activation Technique and the first two gates of the Eight Gates are low-risk and can save lives in critical moments." 

"The Eight Gates are difficult to master. How about the Breath Activation Technique?" 

Orochimaru pondered for a moment before speaking. 

When it came to forbidden techniques, his research far surpassed Kyōichi's. 

Such a small cost? Hardly worth mentioning.

"It's roughly A-rank in difficulty, and it doesn't require a specific chakra nature. Most Jōnin can learn it." 

"Indeed, it's quite useful. It could save lives in critical situations." 

Orochimaru nodded. 

In his eyes, a technique with such low difficulty and minimal cost didn't even qualify as a forbidden technique. 

He also understood Kyōichi's intent—on the battlefield, such a technique could mean the difference between life and death. 

"What about the Eight Gates?" 

The Sandaime asked. 

"The first gate allows complete control over one's physical strength, while the second gate pushes the body beyond its limits to recover stamina. Both are life-saving abilities." 

Kyōichi explained. 

The Sandaime already knew this, having reviewed the details of the Eight Gates and the Breath Activation Technique.

He was asking on behalf of Koharu and the others. 

After all, Tsunade's verbal assault had been brutal! 

With everyone's eyes on her, Koharu's expression darkened, but she still spoke up. 

"I still believe we shouldn't rush to conclusions." 

She couldn't stay silent. 

Not even in the face of Tsunade! 

"How did my grand-uncle end up with students like you two? Under your wise leadership, Konoha's strength has grown so much. 

Back in the day, Sunagakure would never have dared to challenge us." 

Tsunade "praised" them with a smile. 

But. 

Her words nearly made Koharu and Homura spit blood. 

On the surface, it sounded like praise, but the underlying meaning was anything but. 

Sunagakure wouldn't have dared to challenge us?

True. 

Because back then, Sunagakure wouldn't have even dreamed of facing Konoha. 

"I think it's the Sandaime who's holding Konoha back. If the two advisors were in charge, Konoha wouldn't be a target for the other great nations." 

Kyōichi added with a smirk. 

This time, even the Sandaime was speechless. 

You're roasting them, but why drag me into it?

And. 

Is this even praise?

The Sandaime sighed, his headache worsening. 

These two together are a nightmare to deal with.

"You… you brat!" 

Homura's breathing grew ragged with anger. 

Kyōichi's seemingly complimentary words were actually a scathing critique of their stubbornness and outdated thinking— 

If you two were in charge, Konoha would be on par with the other great nations!

"These two techniques are indeed useful. I support lifting the restrictions, but Konoha needs the complete versions." 

Danzo said calmly. 

"Danzo-sama, Konoha has no right to seize others' secret techniques. Whether it's my Breath Activation Technique or Might Duy's Eight Gates, I proposed lifting the restrictions because I want Konoha to grow stronger." 

"This isn't a bargaining chip. I could choose not to share them—it wouldn't affect me personally." 

Kyōichi narrowed his eyes, staring at Danzo without fear. 

With his current strength, he had no reason to fear this old schemer! 

"I meant no such thing. Root has Konoha's most resilient ninjas, who have contributed greatly to the village. I'm not doing this for myself, but for Konoha." 

Danzo frowned. 

He realized… 

This kid is sharp.

His words were cutting, and he clearly understood his position and advantages, always aligning with the Sandaime's side to attack theirs. 

If this continued, they wouldn't gain anything—instead, they'd only invite trouble. 

"For Konoha? Can you even represent Konoha?" 

Tsunade's smile widened. 

This old dog.

Always talking about Konoha, but everyone knows what he's really after.

"Everything Root does is for Konoha." 

Danzo replied coolly. 

"I've heard Root's training is brutal, with high casualties each year, and its members are stripped of emotions. If you're so capable, why not train all ninjas from a young age to master the Eight Gates?" 

"An army of Eight Gates users, even if they're not on par with Hashirama-sama, could easily crush the other villages. If you can achieve that, I'll gladly hand over the Eight Gates." 

Kyōichi shrugged. 

"Well said!" 

Tsunade chimed in, their teamwork seamless. 

On the surface, it seemed like a jab at Danzo, but it also mocked Koharu and Homura— 

If you care so much about ninjas' well-being, why do you turn a blind eye to Root's annual casualties?

Rules for thee, but not for me.

Even Orochimaru chuckled at this. 

An army of Eight Gates users…

What a terrifying thought.

Danzo's face darkened. 

Then— 

Bang!

The Sandaime slammed the table, shattering it. 

"Enough! This bickering stops now. We're all working for Konoha's sake. There's no need to attack each other." 

He glared at Koharu and the others. "Danzo, I've already made my decision about lifting the restrictions. I didn't call this meeting to hear your opinions. You may leave." 

"Hiruzen, even you…" 

Koharu was stunned. 

The Sandaime's bluntness caught her off guard, leaving her struggling to process it. 

"Hiruzen, forbidden techniques shouldn't be unrestricted!" 

Homura protested urgently. 

Kyōichi watched, barely holding back a laugh. 

Danzo wanted extra benefits.

But. 

In this tiny village, we have the likes of you two…

The Nidaime must've been blind!

"I believe, as Hokage, I still hold some authority, don't I?" 

Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was firm. 

Lately, he had been reflecting on his own conservatism. With Konoha in such a precarious state, now was the time to empower their ninjas with techniques like the Eight Gates and the Breathing Activation Technique. 

Survival comes first. Only then can we worry about lifespans.

"Hiruzen, we didn't mean it that way…" 

Homura was at a loss. 

He couldn't understand why the Sandaime was so adamant this time, even to the point of nearly severing ties. 

Though… 

They had shown up uninvited. 

"Regarding forbidden techniques, I will define which ones can be shared and which cannot. If I find out anyone is secretly researching them—whether they're my old friends or students—I will not show mercy."